Downsize & Declutter When You Move

I just moved after nearly 30 years in the same big place, and I did not take everything with me.

My new home is smaller, so I had no choice, but I wasn’t sorry for it. On the contrary. Though the process of winnowing down my things was time-consuming and emotionally draining (and I do regret losing many of my books), I feel great about the downsizing — as in calmer, freer and more in touch with the essentials of life.

I also feel great about what I did with most of the things: I gave them away. Where before they sat idle, now they’re being put to good use by people who need them.

Have you been feeling a bit overwhelmed by all your things? Whether you’re moving or not, this might be a good time to de-clutter and put new “house rules” in effect to avoid over-accumulating again. For pointers, check out Moving Day.

6 Responses to Downsize & Declutter When You Move

The planet has been scalped to provide material things for humans. It’s about time we slowed down that practice and try to restore some of what we lost. The hard thing is convincing other societies, in “developing” countries, to start doing that, too, when all they want is to be like us.

Thank you sharing this! A great place to visit before moving is http://www.clothingdonations.org where you can schedule a free pick-up. All donated clothes and household goods support programs that address the needs of all veterans.

ABOUT

A green living columnist for environmental organizations in her spare time, Sheryl Eisenberg wrote This Green Life for NRDC from 2004-2014 and previously wrote Greentips for the Union of Concerned Scientists. In her "real" life, she designs websites with her firm Mixit Creative for environmental groups and other non-profits and small businesses.